The future of Derry's city centre

Derry city centre is like most town and city centres across Ireland and the UK: it has suffered badly from the recession. Independent retailers, in particular, find it tough. In every street there is evidence of business closures and many of our members say they have never known such difficult times.

Yet there are reasons to be positive and optimistic. Recent survey findings confirm the importance of town and city centres, with 66% of retail spending in the UK taking place there. That is probably true in Derry, with the Foyleside and Richmond centres continuing to draw large numbers of shoppers. It is further evidence that we need to invest even more resources in improving the physical and social infrastructure of our city centre.

In fact, Derry has advantages over other cities and towns against which we compete. Our retail centre is also an important tourism destination because of our history and architecture. It is a gift that other towns and cities might envy.

If we are to fully realise our retail and tourism potential during City of Culture 2013 we must take a strategic approach to the development of both sectors, which are so closely aligned and interdependent. The preparation work has been done: now is the time to get down to implementation and delivery. Alliances across the private, public and community sectors, motivated by optimism and determination, can ensure that the retail and tourism experience is not merely good, but is exceptional.

Substantial investment in our public realm has taken place, and more investment is scheduled. Last week, DSD announced additional support for city centre businesses through the rolling-out of an improvement scheme. These initiatives will lead to a more positive, vibrant and prosperous city.

As the leading business organisation in the region, we recognise the important role we play in supporting our members and the region. We want property owners to meet their responsibilities to maintain and improve their premises. Retailers must be innovative and creative in meeting shoppers' needs and property owners should find ways to ensure that vacant properties do not become eyesores that damage the look and feel of our city centre.

The high cost of city centre rates; limited city centre car parking capacity; the onset of on-street car parking; and poor public transport are all challenges that must be addressed by those determined to protect and improve our city as a retailing destination. We must succeed, because the prize is too great to permit failure.